Did the Sixers cancel a performer over her #BLM shirt?; What’s affected by the SEPTA strike; A look back at the Knockout Game in Philly

Newsletter for Thursday, Oct 27 2016

An unusual view from Elfreth's Alley.

CONTROVERSY IN SIXERLAND: SEVYN STREETER SAYS SHE WASN’T ALLOWED TO PERFORM THE ANTHEM BECAUSE OF A #BLM SHIRT

The Sixers season started with everyone in the country talking about this guy flipping off Russell Westbrook, but by halftime, there was a much bigger story. R&B singer Sevyn Streeter told nearly 170,000 followers on Twitter that the Sixers organization stopped her from singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” because of a Black Lives Matter jersey. The Sixers gave Billy Penn a statement late Wednesday, but didn’t really explain why Streeter was replaced last-minute. Here’s what the Sixers, Streeter and fans had to say.

THE IMPENDING SEPTA STRIKE WOULD REALLY VERY MUCH SUCK

Take the El or the BSL to work? Starting next week you might not be able to. Or take the bus. Or a trolley. Nothing. SEPTA recently uploaded a handy little service interruption guide to its website in the case of a strike by its 4,700 TWU Local 234 workers. The contract for these transit drivers ends Oct. 31. They’ve said they will strike if a deal is not reached by midnight that day. The SEPTA guide is fairly simple. And fairly terrifying. Here’s what would happen.

THE KNOCKOUT GAME AND THE TEMPLE FLASH MOB ATTACK

Remember a few years back when all everyone could talk about was the so-called “Knockout Game?” It was a short-lived craze that was a mixture of real danger and a little bit of media hype. Now, some say a mob attack by dozens of children and teenagers near Temple University on Friday could be the resurrection of the Knockout Game. While police haven’t confirmed what the motive was for the brutal assaults, a Temple student told CBS News in Philly that police in the area were talking about how the children were playing the “Knockout Game.” Here’s a rundown of what happened and why it might be related to the old trend.

Enjoy a weeklong celebration of the craft of the cocktail! Visit your favorite participating Manayunk bars and restaurants and take part in a variety of tastings, dinner pairings, parties, cocktail competitions, and happy hours! Must be 21 or over to participate.

Where:
Various restaurants in Manayunk

When:
November 7, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. to November 13, 2016 at 12:00 a.m.

Yards co-founder Tom Kehoe will lead special procession to formally announce the 21-year-old brewery's move to its new, larger facility — which happens to be just half a mile across Delaware Avenue. Mayor Jim Kenney will be there to welcome him at the new spot.

DOCK STREET TAKES ON BUDWEISER IN PHILLY HASHTAG WAR

At the beginning of September, Anheuser-Busch InBev started running an aggressive marketing campaign for its flagship American beer. It centers around #phillyheavy (regular Bud is sometimes known as “Bud Heavy” to differentiate it from “Bud Light”), and the idea is to get Philadelphians to view it as a “local favorite.” But Dock Street Brewing, the grande dame of Philadelphia beer, has a message for the megaconglomerate brand: Real Philly cred doesn’t come so easy.